India's Independence Day celebrations have triggered a fresh political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, this time over one of the country's most powerful national symbols — Vande Mataram.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticised Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over a controversy surrounding the singing of the national song at a Congress event. The Congress has rejected the criticism, calling the controversy an attempt to divert attention from other political issues.

But beneath the political clash lies a larger question:

Why does Vande Mataram continue to carry such enormous emotional and political significance in India?

The song that became a symbol of resistance

Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, Vande Mataram became closely associated with India's freedom movement.

During the struggle against British rule, the song was used as a powerful expression of patriotism and resistance.

For generations of Indians, the words became connected with the idea of the motherland and the fight for independence.

National Song vs National Anthem

There is often confusion between India's two major national musical symbols.

Jana Gana Mana is India's National Anthem.

Vande Mataram is India's National Song.

Both hold an important place in India's national history, but their official status and historical origins are different.

Why has the controversy become political?

The BJP has portrayed the alleged interruption of Vande Mataram as disrespect towards a national symbol.

Congress, on the other hand, has disputed that interpretation and accused the BJP of turning an incident into a political controversy.

The dispute is therefore about more than what happened during one ceremony.

It reflects a broader political battle over patriotism, nationalism and the interpretation of India's freedom struggle.

Why Vande Mataram still matters

More than a century after it emerged from India's nationalist movement, Vande Mataram continues to evoke strong emotions.

That is precisely why controversies surrounding it rarely remain limited to the song itself.

In today's political climate, Vande Mataram is not merely a piece of India's history — it remains a powerful symbol that can unite, divide and become a battlefield in India's political discourse.